MEET JOE BLACK (SOONER OR LATER EVERYBODY DOES)

Let’s stick with Hollywood today. Not the bubbles and trash that pours out of it though, the choice morsels the sometimes somewhat older films. Maybe not “life changing” or “cutting edge” but good old yarns. With a couple of super-stars and maybe a sniff-worthy ending… We all pretend to be soo intellectual yet we all have our faves in this camp. I am determined to share one of mine with you today. Meet Joe Black…

William Parrish (Anthony Hopkins) is blessed. He has it all. He is a successful and well-loved businessman, he has a loving family (albeit slightly self-obsessed but well meaning – and that is more than some families!) and a life-style to be envied. He is approaching the age of 65 – and being a media mogul he will celebrate it with style, his older daughter is organizing a giant party for him and all and sundry. But then, quite out of the blue, he is confronted by a young man (Brad Pitt). It takes a moment for Mr. Parrish to absorb the information but this young man is in fact, Death. However, he has taken on a human form because he has become curious about life in the world. He wants Mr. Parrish to be his guide for a few days. In return, Mr. Parrish will get… Time. And the chance to celebrate his birthday with his family and friends for the last time. Mr. Parrish is surprised but has little choice other than accepting. The young man is a little awkward but takes the name “Joe Black” and is somehow able to incorporate himself quite smoothly into “life”. But, as the saying goes, what is life without love? Joe Black discovers how true this is when he falls in love with Susan Parrish (Claire Forlani) William Parrish’s younger daughter, much to the dismay of her father…

I honestly think this film is the epitome of Hollywood at its best. The story, you have to admit, is original. Fantastic, some might say quite unbelievable, but original. Different. The actors ? Two of my favorites. Anthony Hopkins, I ADORE, I have seen most things he’s acted in. Brad Pitt is soo charismatic as Joe Black. And Claire Forlani is one of those people you will recognize when you see. I did a bit of research on her just now; turns out I’ve actually seen her in a bunch of stuff in secondary roles. She’s pretty damn good as well… You know what kind of film this is? The kind you watch with your girlfriends on a Friday night in, with cocoa and marshmallows and/or chocolates. You drool over Brad Pitt, get excited about the story and sentimental about the end. And although I don’t give spoilers on principal, I don’t mind telling you it’s a Hollywood ending. Complete with fireworks.